Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has issued a detailed policy directive to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, laying out clear rules on how police officers should use force and firearms while on duty.

This is Murkomen’s first policy instruction since assuming office, and it seeks to bring uniformity, transparency, and constitutional compliance in police operations across the country.

The court-backed directive is anchored in Article 245(4) and (5) of the Constitution, as well as sections 61, 6A, and 6B of the National Police Service Act.

According to the directive, the National Police Service (NPS) must ensure that any use of force is lawful, necessary, proportionate, and applied only as a last resort.

Officers are required to attempt non-violent means first, and to exercise restraint, with the seriousness of the offence, level of resistance, and any immediate threat carefully considered before action is taken.

The policy defines "use of force" as the application of physical power, including weapons or restraints, to overcome resistance or compel compliance.

“A police officer may use force only to the extent required for the performance of duty,” the directive states.

It also warns against extra force once a suspect has been detained, and expressly prohibits the use of violence as a form of extrajudicial punishment.

Use of firearms, according to the directive, is only allowed in cases where there is a clear threat to life or a serious risk of injury, and where no alternative exists. Officers must promptly inform the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) following such incidents.

Murkomen said: “I have issued a policy directive on the use of force and firearms pursuant to Article 245(4) of the Constitution, the National Police Service Act, and relevant court decisions. The policy outlines clear recommendations on how force should be applied within the legal framework.”

The directive also instructs the police to embrace modern technology such as body-worn cameras, fixed CCTV systems, and digital tools for capturing evidence to enhance transparency and preserve the integrity of investigations.

In handling unlawful but non-violent protests, the directive prohibits the use of force unless it is absolutely unavoidable, and even then, only the minimum amount of force should be used. At the same time, police are directed to protect peaceful protesters from interference or violence, in line with Article 37 of the Constitution.

Special care must also be taken when handling children, older persons, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups. Force used in such situations must be sensitive, non-discriminatory, and proportional to the circumstances.

Police officers are further expected to conduct themselves with discipline and respect when engaging the public. The policy encourages de-escalation strategies to prevent conflict and requires regular training in those methods. It also calls for ongoing mental, physical, and ethical evaluations of all officers.

The National Police Service Commission has been tasked with strengthening ethics, mental health support, human rights awareness, and peaceful conflict resolution among officers. Officers will be required to undergo frequent training and prove they are capable of applying the rules on use of force correctly.

To promote accountability, the policy mandates that officers explain their actions and be supported by internal systems that recognise the complex demands of police work. “All officers accused in connection with use-of-force incidents shall be afforded legal representation in coordination with the Office of the Attorney-General to ensure due process,” it states.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has also been directed to include trained professionals in inquiry teams to ensure fast, fair investigations. Under Section 24, Part III of the IPOA Act, all use-of-force cases will undergo independent review.

Lastly, the directive requires the police service to implement a data system that tracks every reportable use-of-force incident, complaints from the public, training progress, and other performance indicators.

The Inspector General has been instructed to ensure complete awareness and implementation of the policy throughout the police service.